Boise Metro Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Forum Explores Growth Challenges and Solutions

Rep. Jordan Redman (District 3), Sen. Ali Rabe (District 16), Rep. Rick Cheatum (District 28) and Sen. Camille Blaylock (District 11) sit on a panel during the Boise Metro Chamber's annual Legislative Forum on January 8, 2025 to discuss Managing Growth in Idaho.

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The Boise Metro Chamber hosted its 2025 Annual Legislative Forum on January 10 at Boise Centre East, convening state lawmakers, business leaders, and community members to discuss “Managing Growth: A Legislative Perspective.” The event, moderated by Thomas J. Mortell of Hawley Troxell, featured a distinguished panel of state legislators: Sen. Camille Blaylock (District 11), Sen. Ali Rabe (District 16), Rep. Rick Cheatum (District 28), and Rep. Jordan Redman (District 3).

​Idaho Governor Brad Little opened the forum, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges created by the state’s rapid growth. “Managing growth is a great subject,” he said. “All the alternatives are worse.” The governor outlined efforts to expand infrastructure, improve education, and invest in workforce housing as key strategies to ensure Idaho remains an affordable and desirable place to live.

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​The panelists shared district-specific insights, with housing affordability, infrastructure, and workforce development emerging as dominant themes. Sen. Camille Blaylock highlighted the unique challenges of preserving agricultural lands in rapidly growing areas like Canyon County. “We have a responsibility to protect farmland that feeds Idaho and the world, while also respecting the rights of farmers who may want to sell their land,” she explained.

Rep. Rick Cheatum discussed the strain on local governments, particularly in smaller communities struggling to fund essential infrastructure. “We need not just places for new residents to live, but we need affordable places where they can raise a family,” he said. He emphasized the need for state support for cities grappling with water, sewer, and emergency services demands.

Housing Affordability and Workforce Challenges
One of the most pressing issues discussed was housing affordability and its direct impact on Idaho’s workforce. Rep. Jordan Redman noted that skyrocketing home prices have made it difficult for working families to buy homes, particularly in North Idaho. “To solve the problem with housing, you have to just create more inventory. It’s basic supply and demand,” he said. He highlighted community-led solutions like the Miracle on Britain project, a privately funded development in Post Falls that provides affordable homes for middle-class workers.

Sen. Ali Rabe provided a stark perspective on the growing crisis of housing affordability and homelessness. She explained how rising rents and stagnant wages are pushing more Idahoans into financial hardship. “The root of the problem causing homelessness is housing costs. Wages have not kept pace, and more people are living on the line. The cost of renting has increased by 40% in recent years, adding an extra $500 per month for the average renter.” She emphasized the need for policy solutions that increase housing supply, protect tenants, and invest in workforce housing.

A Call for Collaborative Solutions
The discussion also touched on infrastructure investment, education, and transportation as key areas for legislative action. Many panelists agreed that public-private partnerships, deregulation, and forward-thinking policies would be essential in shaping Idaho’s future.
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Presented by J.R. Simplot Company and cosponsored by Hawley Troxell, Intermountain Gas Company, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Magellan Health, and Idaho Central Credit Union, the forum provided a valuable platform for policymakers and business leaders to collaborate on sustainable growth solutions.
With housing affordability, infrastructure expansion, and economic development at the forefront, Idaho’s leaders will continue to navigate the complexities of managing growth while maintaining the state’s high quality of life.

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